OREGON — Timber companies have filed a federal lawsuit against three utilities alleging gross negligence and recklessness in events leading up to 2020’s Holiday Farm Fire. Giustina Land and Timber, Giustina Tree Farms Limited Partnership, Giustina Woodlands Limited Partnership, and Cadore Timber are plaintiffs in the case filed July 15 in the U.S. District Court in Oregon. Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), Eugene Water and Electric Board (EWEB), and Lane Electric Co-Operative are the defendants. The timber companies say the utilities’ failure to de-energize their power lines during a wind storm and ignoring “red flag” warnings led to a “catastrophic but preventable fire” and that 10% of the 174,000 acres burned was their timber. An attorney with the case told KLCC that they’re seeking nearly $69 million in damages.